“A Cultural Phenomenon”: The First Reactions To ‘Black Panther’ Are In And They Are Glowing

Ever since he stole the show in Captain America: Civil War, Marvel fans have been amped for a standalone Black Panther movie. Now, almost two years later, the King has finally arrived. The hotly anticipated superhero film — the first in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to focus on a hero of colour — just had its world premiere in Hollywood. And from the sounds of things, it is absolutely fucking spectacular.

Full reviews of the film are still under embargo, but thankfully that doesn’t extend to social media. USA Today critic Brian Truitt tweeted that director Ryan Coogler’s movie boasts “intrigue, crazy innovative action and a deep bench of memorable characters”, while Eric Kohn from Indiewire called it “riveting” and “unpredictable”. The Wrap’s Umberto Gonzalez went one step further, insisting the film should be in discussion for “the best Marvel film ever”, saying it “elevates the superhero genre to new heights”.

Many also praised the film for its unapologetic blackness. Jen Yamato from the LA Times called it “a superhero movie about why representation and identity matters, and how tragic it is when those things are denied to people”. Her colleague Tre’vell Anderson described the film as “a love letter about blackness”, while Mike Ryan from Uproxx said it was “by far the most political Marvel chapter”.

But enough from the professional critics! What did the ~celebrities~ have to say?

Black Panther. So very good. I cheered and laughed and pumped my fist. I’ve never seen a super hero movie like it. Everybody involved with it deserves a medal and a high five.

Believe the hype. Believe the buzz. Believe the words “cultural phenomenon.” #blackpanther is about to blow minds and take names. My God. Where to even begin. Long live the King. pic.twitter.com/cECg2mxnKw